The No. 21 Terps used their home game win to propel momentum into Thursday’s matchup against the Northwestern Wildcats, winning 85-79.
However, as they entered the second half, Maryland almost blew their comfortable 18-point lead from the second quarter. The Terps' lead was quickly diminishing, and so was their stamina.
The Wildcats scored 23 points in the third quarter alone, compared to the Terps 15. Northwestern’s 11-0 run allowed it to cut its deficit, leaving Maryland with only a 10-point, 63-53, advantage entering the fourth quarter.
After a 6-0 run and under five minutes left in the game, Northwestern was starting to see a glimpse of hope as the deficit kept narrowing. Maryland head coach Brenda Frese called a crucial timeout in an attempt to freeze the Wildcats from gaining any closer.
Northwestern ended the quarter with 26 points. Maryland scored 22 points in the quarter, which was closed out by guard Kaylene Smikle on the free throw line.
Maryland shot 85% from the free throw line tonight and 35% from the three. Maryland also created 22 forced turnovers, which is tied for the second-most of the season.
Terps guard Saylor Poffenbarger amounted to much of Maryland’s success in the first half. With four assists and 14 points, she was having herself a night.
However, the second half for Poffenbarger wasn’t exactly how she’d thought her night would end. Despite previously landing on her ankle earlier in the first half, she was able to reenter the game shortly after.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case the second time around. After a successful layup halfway through the third quarter, she appeared to land and roll on the opposite ankle. Maryland training staff carried Poffenbarger off the court. She did not return for the remainder of the game.
“I thought losing Saylor was impactful. She gave us a great spark, and you saw losing her, what kind of impact that made on our team,” Frese said.
As of now, Frese said that the condition of her injury is still unknown.
For the Terps, the road is where they feel most comfortable and successful. Frese said the lack of distractions and their level of focus on the road are factors that contribute to their success.
Smikle credits giving the home team the first punch as part of Maryland’s success on the road.
“I think that on the road, we know that we have to play more together and come out and give teams the first punch because they’re on their home floor and we’re away. So I think every time we’re away, we always buy into that, and we’re consistent with coming on road games and giving first punch,” Smikle said.
The only time the Terps trailed the Wildcats was at the start of the game when they were down by two points, but Smikle ensured that lead wouldn't grow any larger. Smikle found herself a layup and a free throw, followed by guard Shyanne Sellers' 3-pointer.
Smikle recorded 23 points on the night, making it her 24th game drilling double-digits as a Terp. Sellers scored 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists against the Wildcats. This makes it Seller’s 88th career game as a Terp and 21st game of the season scoring in the double-digits.
Despite the victory, Sellers knows adjustments need to be made, especially when finishing the game as the postseason draws closer.
“I think just being more poised at the end of the game. It’s an easy fix because if we finish like this, we’re going home,” Sellers said.
This is the Terps’ 16th meeting against the Wildcats, and the Terps continue to own the series 15-1.
Maryland will continue on the road for their next matchup, looking to continue their win streak against Indiana on Thursday, Feb. 27. The game will be streamed at 7 p.m. on Peacock.
By: Brinkley Smith
Related Links
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on YouTube